Adapter for product dispenser and product dispenser

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an adapter for a product dispenser (11) with an adapter base body (19) for positioning the adapter (18) on a container opening (14) of a pressure container (12), with a swivel arrangement (23), which adjusts an actuating lever (21) with a handle (22) swivellably to the adapter base body (19), wherein the actuating lever (21) is transferable from an unlocked position (67), in which the handle (22) can be operated from a starting position (68) into an active position (69) for opening a valve (16) of the container (12), to a locked position (66), in which operation of the handle (22) is blocked.

The invention relates to an adapter for a product dispenser and a product dispenser for outputting a medium.

A product dispenser for outputting a medium is known from EP 1 242 295 B3. This product dispenser comprises a valve, which closes a container opening of a pressure container for receiving a medium to be output. Associated with the container opening an adapter is provided, which has an actuating lever for controlling the valve. The actuating lever is attached by way of a swivel arrangement on the adapter, wherein the actuating lever is transferable from a starting position, in which the valve is closed, by a swivel movement into an active position, in which the valve is operated to output the medium.

Another product dispenser for outputting a medium from a pressure container is known from DE 20 2009 018 628 U1. This product dispenser comprises an actuating lever with a handle arranged thereon, which is positioned rotating about a longitudinal axis of the valve output opening. Due to the rotating arrangement of the swivel lever about the longitudinal axis of the valve output opening, a product discharge rate can be adjusted continuously between a maximum rate and a minimum rate. To output the product, the actuating lever can be swiveled in the direction of the pressure container in order to release the valve into an active position for outputting the medium as a function of the set discharge rate.

A product dispenser for outputting a medium from a pressure container is known from JP 2004-188 074 A1. This product dispenser comprises an output valve with an actuating handle arranged thereon. To output the medium, the actuating handle can be pressed, wherein the valve output opening, which is connected by a web to an annular connection section, is actuated by a swivel motion.

The object of the invention is to propose an adapter for a product dispenser with an adapter base body for positioning the adapter on a container opening of a pressure container, which permits simple actuation for outputting a medium from the pressure container.

This object is achieved by an adapter for a product dispenser in which the output sleeve is connected movably to the adapter base body by an elastic connection. The elastic connection between the output sleeve and the adapter base body is formed as an annular or disc-shaped membrane, which extends lying in between. It is made possible by this that the output sleeve, which engages a valve of the pressure container with the output sleeve following positioning of the adapter on a container opening of a pressure container, is variable in location or position along a longitudinal axis of the adapter base body. A guided displacement movement of the valve can take place due to this elastic connection. The output of a medium from the pressure container can be controlled in a simple manner by this. Furthermore, a high number of operations can be facilitated.

It is preferably provided that the output sleeve is arranged in a self-retaining manner in a starting position relative to the adapter base body and the output sleeve is transferable by an impact force at least partly along the longitudinal direction of the adapter base body into an active position. This has the advantage that an output of the medium from the pressure container is enabled only in the case of active operation of the adapter and the starting position of the adapter assumes an NC position (Normally Closed position). An unintentional output of the medium can be prevented by this.

The elastic connection further has the advantage that on transfer from the starting position to the active position, a reset force is built up, so that following the output of a medium and release of the impact force on the output sleeve, an autonomous reset of the output sleeve into the starting position takes place.

The adapter base body preferably comprises a flange aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis, wherein extending between the flange and the output sleeve is an end face, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and the elastic connection is provided between the end face and the output sleeve. This permits a simple structural linkage of the output sleeve to the adapter base body and a configuration of the elastic connection arranged in between. In a starting position of the output sleeve relative to the adapter base body, the end face and the elastic connection are preferably arranged in a common plane. Due to this, on transfer of the output sleeve to an active position, the elastic connection is pressed inwards with respect to the inclination of the end face, whereby the reset force is generated. A snap effect can be achieved by this, which facilitates the autonomous return of the output sleeve to the starting position relative to the adapter base body.

Provided inside the flange of the adapter base body is preferably an attachment section, which extends at least in sections along the flange and can be attached on an edge of the pressure container by a latching and/or snap connection. Simple placement and pressing of the adapter base body on the edge of the pressure container is sufficient for its attachment. Fast assembly is created by this.

The attachment section on the flange of the adapter base body preferably has several webs formed at a distance from one another, which with the circumferential flange form a U-shaped engagement area, by which the attachment section engages in a positive locking manner on the edge of the container base body. The attachment section can be configured cost-effectively.

Provided on the output sleeve of the adapter in the direction of placement onto the pressure container is a connection, which engages on a valve of the pressure container. A reduction in components can be achieved by this.

The output sleeve of the adapter has a receptacle for a nozzle lying opposite the connection. This can be screwed on interchangeably.

It is preferably provided that at least the adapter base body, the output sleeve and the elastic connection are formed in one piece. Manufacturing costs are reduced and the assembly effort simplified by this.

At least the adapter base body, the output sleeve and the elastic connection are preferably manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part. For example, the adapter can be manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular polypropylene, polyethylene or similar.

The invention and other advantageous embodiments and developments of the same are described and explained in greater detail below by means of the examples depicted in the drawings. The features to be gathered from the description and the drawings can be applied according to the invention individually or in groups in any combination. The figures show:

FIG. 1 an exploded drawing in perspective of the product dispenser with an adapter,

FIG. 2 a depiction in perspective of the product dispenser in an assembled state in the delivery condition,

FIG. 3 a schematic sectional view of the product dispenser with adapter according to FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 another schematic sectional view of the product dispenser according to FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 a view in perspective of the adapter,

FIG. 6 a schematic sectional view of the adapter according to FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 a view in perspective of the adapter in an active position,

FIG. 8 a schematic sectional view of the adapter according to FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 a schematic side view of the handle in a locked position,

FIG. 10 a schematic side view of the handle in an unlocked position,

FIG. 11 a schematic side view of an adapter on a product dispenser in a starting position and in an active position, and

FIG. 12 a schematic sectional view of an adapter of the product dispenser with adapter in the active position.

In FIG. 1, a product dispenser 11 is depicted in an exploded drawing. On a container opening 14, which is closed by a valve 16 (FIG. 3), a pressure container 12 receives an adapter 18. This adapter 18 comprises an adapter base body 19, which can be placed on the container opening 14, and an actuating lever 21 with a handle 22, which is connected by a swivel arrangement 23 to the adapter base body 19.

The adapter base body 19 also has an output sleeve 25, onto which a nozzle 26 can be attached, in particular screwed. The nozzle 26 can be exchanged thereby. A closure 27 is provided on a front end of the nozzle 26 to prevent the medium in the nozzle 26 from drying out.

Furthermore, a cap 29 is provided, which substantially encloses the adapter 18. This cap 29 has a recess 31, through which the actuating lever 21 is led out, so that the handle 22 is positioned outside the cap 29.

In FIG. 2 the components depicted in FIG. 1 are depicted in an assembled position. FIG. 2 shows a product dispenser 11 ready for sale.

An area of the recess 31 in the cap 29 is closed by a tamper-evident closure 32. This tamper-evident closure 32 is positioned in the recess 31 by several strut-like connections 33. The tamper-evident closure 32 can be released on at least two strut-like connections 33 to the recess 31, so that the quality closure remains loose and/or swivellable in the recess 31. The strut-like connections 33 form a predetermined breaking point in this case. The opening 30 can make the release of the tamper-evident closure 32 easier in that a tool can be introduced. If the tamper-evident closure 32 is missing, the user can clearly recognize that the product dispenser 11 had already been opened or used.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional depiction of the product dispenser 11 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows another sectional view of FIG. 3 rotated by 90°. Attached to a container opening 14 of the pressure container 12 is a valve 16, which closes the container opening 14. The valve 16 has a valve body 36, which comprises an outer circumferential edge, so that this outer circumferential edge engages on the container opening 14. This can be achieved, for example, by a screw connection or beading. The valve 16 comprises a valve closure member 37, which is movable along a longitudinal axis 38 of the valve 16 corresponding to the longitudinal axis 38 of the adapter base body 19. To open the valve closure member 37, this is moved in the direction of the pressure container 12 against a reset element 39, in particular a spring, to open a valve opening 41. A medium stored in the pressure container 12 passes through this valve opening 41 for outputting.

This valve 16 can correspond to the embodiment that is described, for example, in DE 10 2008 051 888 A1, to which reference is made in full.

The adapter 18 can be placed onto the container opening 14. This adapter 18 is shown in perspective in FIG. 5 and in a sectional view in FIG. 6. The adapter 18 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 is depicted in a starting position 68. On the adapter base body 19 a flange 44 is provided, which is aligned preferably coaxially with the longitudinal axis 38.

An end face 45 extends between the flange 44 and the output sleeve 25. Connected to the end face 45 and the flange 44 there is provided an attachment section 46, which extends along the flange 44, at least in sections. The attachment section 46 comprises webs 48, which are provided at a distance from the flange 44 and form a take-up area lying in between. On the lower edge of the flange 44, pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38, a latching lug 54 is provided. An attachment section 46 can be formed thereby, which can engage around the beading or an edge 47 of the container opening 14 or of the pressure container 12 in a latching manner. A latching, clamping or snap connection can preferably be provided.

Also provided on the flange 44 of the adapter base body 19 on an outer circumference is a latching element 42, which forms a releasable latching connection with a latching element 43 on an inner side of the cap 29. The cap 29 can thereby be clipped onto the adapter.

The adapter base body 19 further comprises the output sleeve 25, which is connected by an elastic connection 49 to the adapter base body 19. The end face 45 extends between the adapter base body 19 and the output sleeve 25. Viewed in a sectional representation, this end face 45 is oriented in a roof-shaped manner. The end face 45 covers the attachment section or abuts this.

The elastic connection 49 extends between the output sleeve 25 and the end face 45. In a starting position 68 the elastic connection 49 and the end face 45 lie in a common plane.

The elastic connection 49 is formed by an elastic membrane, which according to the embodiment depicted extends fully between the end face 45 of the flange 44 and the output sleeve 25. Due to this elastic connection 49, the position of the output sleeve 25 is variable along the longitudinal axis 38 with respect to the adapter base body 19. In particular, the output sleeve 25 is movable from the starting position 68 shown in FIG. 5 relative to the adapter base body 19 in the direction of the valve 16 of the pressure container 12. Such an active position 69 is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows that a connection 51 is provided at one end of the output sleeve 25. This connection 51 preferably engages around the valve closure member 37. Provided on the output sleeve 25 opposite the connection 51 is a receptacle 52, onto which the nozzle 26 can be placed or screwed. The output sleeve 25 has a through hole 53, which extends from the connection 51 to the receptacle 52. Laterally protruding cams 57 are provided on the output sleeve 25 between the receptacle 52 and the connection 51. Two radially protruding cams 57 lying opposite one another are preferably formed.

To actuate the output sleeve 25, at least one actuating element 56 on the actuating lever 21 can engage on these cams 57 of the output sleeve 25. This actuating lever 56 is depicted, for example, in FIG. 1 and described below in FIG. 5.

The receptacle 52 on the output sleeve 25 is delimited by an annular collar 58, so that after the nozzle 26 is put on it assumes a defined position. A projection 59 is provided from this annular collar 58 in the direction of the elastic connection 49, which projection protrudes in the form of a web with respect to the outer circumference of the output sleeve 25 and is arranged at a distance from the elastic connection 49. This projection 59 forms a portion of a transportation lock of the actuating lever 21 and handle 22, as will be discussed below in FIG. 9.

The adapter 18 is preferably formed in one piece with regard to its components depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. The adapter base body 19 further takes up at least one, preferably two, swivel pins 61, which are used to form the swivel arrangement 23 together with the actuating lever 21. The swivel pins 61 form a common swivel axis 62. The swivel pins 61 are oriented in a mirror-inverted manner relative to one another and permit simple application and mounting of the actuating lever 21, so that the recesses arranged at one free end in the form of a slot 63 can be placed onto the swivel pins 61. In particular, the adapter 18 is manufactured from plastic as an injection-molded part. Alternatively, individual components can be assembled by a latching, snap or clamping connection to form the adapter 18.

FIG. 7 depicts a view in perspective of the adapter 18 in an active position 69. FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the adapter 18 according to FIG. 7.

Reference is made to the description of FIGS. 5 and 6 in respect of the construction and the individual features and/or components of the adapter 18. The transfer of the adapter 18 to the active position 69 is made possible by the elastic connection 49. The output sleeve 25 and thus the connection 51 can be moved downwards, thus in the direction of the pressure container 12, by an actuating force along the longitudinal axis 38. The elastic connection 49 can deform thereby. An adjusting movement can be achieved by a deflection of an elastic connection 49. The elastic connection 49 is advantageously loaded uniformly, so that an annular depression is formed by the elastic connection 49. On relief of the actuating lever 21, the elastic connection 49 returns to its starting position 68, as is depicted by the adapter 18 according to FIGS. 5 and 6. In this starting position 68 the valve 16 of the pressure container 12 is closed again.

Alternatively to a circumferential elastic connection 49, several webs extending radially outwards with gaps formed in between can also be provided.

FIG. 9 depicts the actuating lever 21 with the handle 22 in the locked position 66. The swivel arrangement 23 is provided in a first end position 71. The actuating lever 21 is transferred by a displacement movement at right angles to the longitudinal axis 38 of the pressure container 12 into this first end position 71. The handle 22 is positioned close to the outer wall of the pressure container 12 or rests on this. In this locked position 66 the projection 59 lying externally on the output sleeve 25 engages on an outer side of the actuating lever 21, due to which a swivel movement of the actuating lever 21 in the direction of the nozzle 26 is blocked. In the opposite direction the swivel movement of the actuating lever 21 is blocked by a stop 76, which rests on the adapter base body 19. To secure the actuating lever 21 and the handle 22, the slot or slots 63 can have a constriction, so that on transfer of the swivel axis 62 to the first end position 71, a latching resistance, by which the actuating lever 21 can subsequently be held in this first end position 71, must be overcome. In this locked position 66 the actuating element 56 of the actuating lever is positioned adjacent to the cams 57 and is thus out of engagement.

The slots 63 formed on the actuating lever 21 have an angled contour. The actuating lever 21 with the handle 22 is held thereby in one arrangement in the first end position 71 close to the pressure container 12. In an unlocked position 67 of the actuating lever 21 and handle 22, these can be moved further away with respect to the adapter base body 19 both in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38 and laterally to the longitudinal axis 38, in order to permit a reliable actuation of the handle 22 for outputting the medium.

The unlocked position 67 of the actuating lever 21 is shown in FIG. 8. The swivel axis 62 is located inside the slot 63 in a second end position 73. In this end position the actuating element 56 rests on the cams 57. The actuating lever 21 and the handle 22 are arranged in a starting position 68. In this starting position the product dispenser 11 is ready to output the medium on operation of the handle 22.

In FIG. 10 it is evident that the actuating element 56 rests on the cam 57. If the handle 22 or the actuating lever 21 is now transferred from the starting position 68 to an active position 69, as is depicted, for example, by the two positions of the handle 22 shown in FIG. 11, the cams 57 are moved towards the pressure container 12. The output sleeve 25 is led in the direction of the container opening 14 on account of the elastic connection 49 to the adapter base body 19. The valve closure member 37 is moved in the direction of the inside of the pressure container 12. The valve opening 31 is opened and the medium can emerge.

As soon as the handle 22 is no longer operated, the actuating lever 21 with the handle 22 returns autonomously from the active position 69 to the starting position 68. This autonomous transfer to a closed position is produced by the reset element 39 of the valve 16.

In the active position 69 and starting position 68 the actuating lever 21 is arranged in the second end position 73 of the swivel arrangement 23. In this second end position 73, the actuating element 56 is positioned relative to the projection 59 so that in the swivel movement of the handle 22, the output sleeve 25 can be moved along the longitudinal axis 38 towards the pressure container 12.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic sectional view of the product dispenser with an unlocked adapter 18. The handle 22 is transferred to an active position 69 for outputting of the medium. This sectional view shows that the output sleeve 25 has travelled with respect to the annular adapter base body 19 along the longitudinal axis 38.

This is to be recognized by a deflection 50 of the elastic connection 49, which extends between the output sleeve 25 and the annular adapter base body 19.

The adapter 18 can be provided as a sales unit. The actuating lever 21 is mounted on the swivel axis 62 and forms a fixed swivel arrangement. The cap 29 can be attached additionally to the adapter base body 19. To fit the cap 29, the handle 22 and the actuating lever 21 are led through the recess 31 of the cap 29 and then the cap 29 is connected to the adapter base body 19, in particular latched. This assembly unit can subsequently be connected to the container opening 14 of the pressure container 12 by a clip or latching connection with the circumferential edge. The nozzle 26 can be optionally screwed on to complete the product dispenser 11. 

1. An adapter for a product dispenser with an adapter base body for positioning the adapter on a container opening of a pressure container, with an output sleeve, which is movable relative to the adapter base body along a longitudinal axis of the adapter base body, wherein the output sleeve is arranged movably relative to the adapter base body by an elastic connection, which is provided as an annular or disc-shaped membrane between the adapter base body and the output sleeve.
 2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the output sleeve is arranged in a self-retaining manner in a starting position relative to the adapter base body and the output sleeve is transferable by an impact force at least partly along the longitudinal axis of the adapter base body into an active position.
 3. The adapter according to claim 2, wherein by the elastic connection by means of a reset force, which is built up on transfer of the output sleeve from the starting position to the active position, the output sleeve is autonomously transferable to the starting position to the adapter base body.
 4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter base body has a flange aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis and between the flange and the output sleeve there extends an end face, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and the elastic connection is provided between the output sleeve and the end face.
 5. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein in the starting position of the output sleeve relative to the adapter base body, the end face and the elastic connection are arranged in a common plane.
 6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein inside the flange is provided an attachment section, which extends along the flange, at least in sections, and is attachable to an edge of the pressure container by a latching or snap connection or both.
 7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein the attachment section has on the flange several webs arranged at a distance from one another, which with the flange form a U-shaped take-up area, by which the attachment section engages in a positive-locking manner on the edge of the pressure container.
 8. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein there is provided on the output sleeve in the direction of application of the adapter base body to the pressure container a connection for the positioning relative to the valve of the pressure container.
 9. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the output sleeve of the adapter base body has a receptacle at one free end for a nozzle.
 10. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter base body, the output sleeve and at least the elastic connection are formed in one piece.
 11. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter base body, the output sleeve and at least the elastic connection are manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part.
 12. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter base body, the output sleeve and at least the elastic connection are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.
 13. The adapter according to claim 12, wherein the adapter base body, the output sleeve and at least the elastic connection are formed of polypropylene or polyethylene. 